What is the development?
The West Ryde Village Development will include a mixed use building and a community facility. The seven-storey, mixed-use building will include commercial, retail and residential spaces.  The ground floor will house retail facilities such as a supermarket and specialty stores while a gymnasium, medical centre and office spaces will be situated on the first floor. The remaining five levels will comprise of residential apartments. More than 600 car parking spaces will be provided as part of the development.

The Council-owned community facility building will include office and retail spaces as well as a community hall.  The building will be occupied by the Ryde Family Support Services, Early Childhood Health Centre, West Ryde Neighbourhood Childcare Centre, Christian Community Aid – Family Day Care, and the City of Ryde Community Life team. 

Other works that will be completed as part of the development include:

• Relocation of Betts Street to the northern boundary of the site
• Construction of two new roundabouts to assist traffic at the new intersection of New Betts Street and Chatham Road and to provide access to the main car park
• A Council Village Square to provide a space for community events and activities including public artwork and a large-scale electronic screen to project performances
• Construction of new footpaths to improve pedestrian access and improved landscaping, stormwater management and traffic management works

What will be provided for the community and visitors?
The proposal includes several community benefits, including:

• brand new 4-storey community facility building to be constructed and handed over to Council
• Council village square, providing an open space for public entertainment and formal and informal networking
• Undercover car park with 172 car parking spaces to be constructed and handed over to Council
• Driveway access from the new car park to the existing Woolworths development
• Reconstruction of the heritage wall along New Betts Street and Darvall Park.

The development, if it is approved, will provide a convenient retail centre for the West Ryde area.

How many car parking spaces will the development provide?
The development will provide over 600 car parking spaces for residential, visitor and retail car parking. It includes disabled car parking spaces and 172 Council car parking spaces.

What is the timeframe for construction and delivery?
The Council Community Facility Building will be first part of the development to be constructed.  It is anticipated work will commence in 2008 and be completed in late 2009.  The mixed use facility will then commence construction, with completion expected in late 2011.

Will this development worsen traffic?
More traffic will be generated as a result of the operation of the retail and commercial centre, but access will be improved. A traffic assessment was completed as part of the Development Application. It suggested improvements to increase traffic flow, allow continuous traffic movement and reduce queues and delays. Suggested road improvements will be undertaken as part of the proposed development.  Furthermore, a traffic management plan will be implemented throughout the construction phase

Will this development worsen flood impacts?
Stormwater management works will be constructed in the area to alleviate flooding impacts.  Remo Group has held discussions with Council to ensure the stormwater infrastructure will be suitable to the area and will reduce the potential of flooding occurring in the area.